Played this course 5 times since and with fond memories. This is a par 73 course that is situated in the middle of the desert wasteland of Riyadh, some 40km from the city. The club features two 18 hole courses, the green course and the desert course.

What is unique about Middle East/Africa is the existence of popular "desert courses", where there are no grass and the greens are oiled down patches of sand for putting. All shots from tee to fairways to approaches are played off a piece of astro turf that the golfer carries with him throughout the 18 holes. No buggy, only with trolley.

It is also not a surprise that my furthest tee shot was achieved on such a fairway. With plenty of roll on hard sand, you can easily see your second shot 360 yds away from the tee box, usually with amusement!

Conditions:The course is surprising green with palm trees and shrubs amidst sand and rocks outside of the 18 holes. Greens are a little patchy when I last played. Other than that, the fairways were nice and firm. Irrigation to the fairways are generous.

Difficulty:Most of the holes are straight forward with not too many water hazards apart from a few man-made lakes lining some holes.

Green Fee:78 SGD for weekdays.

Perks:Signature Hole 11 is a straight and long Par 6 played 698 yds off the blue tee. Always a refreshing challenge to par this hole with a good drive and 2 crisp woods. Playing at the desert course literally for free is a worthy experience, even if it is once.